with $100k coming in, swapping out of Lakeland
changea dispatch from
allentown
PA
40.60°N
75.49°W
Allentown is the heart of the Lehigh Valley, with old industrial bones turning into a quietly resilient mid-sized city. The Lehigh River runs past, the historic downtown has been steadily finding its footing with breweries and restaurants in the old buildings, and the surrounding farmland is gorgeous. It's an hour and change from both Philly and NYC. Cheaper than both, by a lot.
the verdict
the monthly premium over Lakeland
Allentown costs more than Lakeland, and you'll feel it. The upside has to come from somewhere other than your budget.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
1% cheaper than Lakeland(vs $1,834/mo)
3.07%
$256/mo more in state tax than Lakeland
vs 0% in Lakeland
$6,269/mo
$230 less than Lakeland
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
19% more expensive than Lakeland
vs $301k in Lakeland
874k
vs 818k in Lakeland
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Lakeland gets 206 pleasant days a year, so you'd be trading some sunshine. A real winter, not a brutal one: 32 days under 20°, vs 0 in Lakeland.
Nights and weekends fill up faster. 2.3× more on the calendar than Lakeland.
73/100
52% higher than Lakeland
vs 48/100 in Lakeland
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
30% higher than Lakeland
vs 66/100 in Lakeland
9
87% fewer than Lakeland
vs 68 nonstops in Lakeland
compare allentown with:
